UIU student from Panora to intern with Oakland Raiders

UIU student Cooper Weidenthaler will be an intern with the Oakland Raiders.

FAYETTE, Iowa (July 25, 2011) — No one was happier than Upper Iowa University student Cooper Weidenthaler that the NFL players and owners have resolved their differences. With a settlement in place, Weidenthaler is leaving for an internship with the Oakland Raiders.

Weidenthaler, from Panora, Iowa, is a sophomore majoring in communications with a sports emphasis at UIU. He learned in mid-July that if the NFL dispute was resolved, he would be flying to California to intern with the team before he starts his fall classes at the UIU campus in Fayette.

"I am honored to have such a big opportunity at this stage of my life," Weidenthaler said. "I have been interested in sports for as long as I can remember, which is why I chose the major I did. This internship will help me pursue a career in sports information/sports management. I will give me much needed experience working within a professional sports organization and seeing all the ins and outs of making it work. This is a great thing to put on my resume and an opportunity to connect and network with professionals in my field."

Peter Caracciolo with the Raiders organization said Weidenthaler will be a Football Operation Intern at the Raiders Training Camp in Napa. He will work with coaches, players and staff "to assist them in any and all things."

"Cooper came highly recommended to us by a current UIU staffer, Daryl Grove, who interned with us years ago. Daryl understands what type of interns we look for since he was once with the Raiders," Caracciolo said. "I look forward to having Cooper work with us to help us start the 2011 season off right." Grove is UIU executive director of student leadership and adventure.

Weidenthaler is looking forward to the chance to work with the team. "Meeting new people is something that comes easily to me, and I am always open to new friendships," he said.

Sports Communication is one of 40 undergraduate majors offered by Upper Iowa University. For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa UniversityFounded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.